16 Easy & Delicious Drinks to Enjoy Anytime
Sometimes you just want a drink that feels thoughtful and refreshing. There’s something really lovely about holding a drink that feels special, especially when it’s tasty. Mocktails give you that same feeling without alcohol, whether you’re out with friends, cosy at home, or just in the mood for something else to sip on.
More and more people are choosing alcohol-free options (sometimes always, sometimes only on certain nights), and I love that there’s now so much creativity in this space. You don’t have to settle for a soda or a plain sparkling water anymore; there are so many delicious, beautiful drinks you can enjoy anywhere.
Below are 16 easy, refreshing mocktail ideas you can order out, make at home, or use as inspiration the next time you want something a little special. And before we dive in, there’s one simple thing that makes almost every mocktail taste instantly better…
How to Make Simple Syrup (The Essential Mocktail Base)
Before we get into the mocktail ideas, there’s one thing that makes a huge difference in your drinks, and that is simple syrup. When I turned 18, I took a bartending course almost on a whim. It was in this course that I first learned about simple syrup, not as something fancy, but as a basic behind-the-scenes ingredient that made drinks taste balanced and smooth. It’s one of those simple things that’s stayed with me ever since.
Almost every well-balanced mocktail uses it, and it’s what gives drinks that smooth, not too sweet, balanced taste you’d expect when ordering from the pros.
Simple syrup has been around forever for a reason. It mixes easily into cold drinks, unlike regular sugar, which tends to sink to the bottom and not dissolve. Once you have a bottle made up in your fridge, it’s the easiest way to elevate your mocktails, heck even your coffees if you fancy.
Simple Syrup Recipe (2 Minutes, 2 Ingredients)
Ingredients
1 cup water
1 cup sugar (white, cane, or organic)
Instructions
- Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan.
- Warm gently over low to medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and let the syrup cool completely.
- Pour into a jar or bottle and store in the fridge for up to 1 month.
Flavoured Simple Syrup Variations
These small upgrades are what make your mocktails a splash of special and taste delicious.
- Mint syrup — cooling, fresh, and perfect with citrus
- Ginger syrup — warm and a dash spicy
- Citrus syrup — lemon, orange or grapefruit peel for brightness
- Berry syrup — raspberries or strawberries for great flavour and a nice touch of colour
- Herbal syrup — rosemary, basil, or thyme (elegant and earthy)
Strain before storing.
Thrifty tip: Start with 1–2 teaspoons per drink, then adjust to taste.
Using Fresh Juice (A Small Upgrade That Makes a Big Difference)
Using fresh-squeezed or pressed juice noticeably elevates mocktails, in both flavour and feel.
Juicing at home can be tedious, but fresh juice is great. Many supermarkets now carry ready-pressed juices, making this upgrade easy.
Choosing fresh or cold-pressed juices helps you:
- Avoid high-fructose corn syrup.
- Skip added sugars
- Steer clear of artificial dyes, synthetic sweeteners and strange ingredients.
- Taste the fruit’s natural flavours.
Avoiding artificial dyes and sweeteners lets real ingredients shine, without unnecessary extras getting in the way. Real ingredients give real flavour, keeping mocktails light, easy, and refreshing.
It doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Use what you have: bottled juice, coconut water, or both. These small swaps keep mocktails clean, intentional, and easy to enjoy.
Mocktail Proportions (Perfect for an 8-Ounce Glass)
To keep things simple, the mocktail recipes below are measured to serve an 8-ounce glass (about 1 cup). This size works great for everyday drinks and makes it easy to scale up for entertaining.
As a general guideline:
- 3–4 oz fresh juice
- 1–2 tsp simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Ice
- Sparkling water or soda to top
- Fresh herbs or fruit for garnish
This flexible ratio keeps mocktails balanced, not too sweet or sharp, and easy to customise.
Easy Mocktail Ideas
(8oz measurements included for the most popular classics)
1. Lemon Mint Cooler (8 oz)
Ingredients
- 3 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1–2 tsp simple syrup
- Ice
- Sparkling water (to top, approx. 3–4 oz)
- Fresh mint
2. Sparkling Grapefruit Spritz (8 oz)
Ingredients
* 4 oz fresh grapefruit juice
* 1 tsp simple syrup (optional)
* Ice
* Sparkling water (to top)
3. Pineapple Ginger Fizz (8 oz)
Ingredients
- 4 oz pineapple juice
- 1 tsp ginger simple syrup
- Ice
- Club soda (to top)
4. Cucumber Lime Refresher (8 oz)
Ingredients
- 3 oz fresh lime juice
- 1–2 tsp simple syrup
- 2–3 cucumber slices
- Ice
- Sparkling water (to top)
5. Raspberry Lime Sparkle (8 oz)
Ingredients
- 3 oz fresh lime juice
- 1–2 tsp berry simple syrup
- Handful of raspberries
- Ice
- Club soda (to top)
6. Watermelon Cooler (8 oz)
Ingredients
- 5 oz fresh watermelon juice
- Splash of lime
- 1 tsp simple syrup (optional)
- Ice
7. Cranberry Rosemary Mocktail (8 oz)
Ingredients
- 4 oz cranberry juice
- 1 tsp rosemary simple syrup (or plain syrup + rosemary sprig)
- Ice
- Club soda (to top)
8. The Virgin Mojito (8 oz)
Ingredients
- 3 oz fresh lime juice
- 1–2 tsp simple syrup
- Fresh mint
- Ice
- Club soda (to top)
More Mocktail Ideas (Flexible & Easy)
These mocktails are perfect for adjusting to taste or ordering out:
- Strawberry Basil Spritzer
- Blackberry Sage Refresher
- Apple Cider Spritz
- Orange & Soda Over Ice
- Pomegranate Sparkler
- Ginger Ale & Alcohol-Free Bitters
- Pineapple Coconut Cooler
- Sparkling Apple Ginger Mocktail
Use the 8 oz proportion guide above as your base, or freestyle using the simple ratio in the FAQ.
My personal Favourite
Pineapple and Coconut are flavour combos that I come back to again and again. It’s not only delicious but also light, refreshing, and tropical. If you can’t get to the tropics, drink one of these!
Ingredients
- 4 oz pineapple juice (fresh-pressed if possible)
- 2 oz coconut water (or light coconut milk for a creamier version)
- 1 tsp simple syrup (optional — pineapple is often sweet enough on its own)
- Ice
- Splash of sparkling water (optional, for a lighter finish)
- Fresh lime wedge (optional but lovely)
How to Make It
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add pineapple juice, coconut water, and simple syrup if using.
- Stir gently.
- Top with a splash of sparkling water if you like it lighter.
- Finish with a squeeze of lime.
Styling Tip
Serve in a short glass with:
- A pineapple wedge, or
- A lime wheel, or
- A light sprinkle of toasted coconut on top for a cosy, elevated touch.
Mocktail FAQ
What makes a drink a mocktail?
A mocktail is simply a crafted drink with no alcohol, often layered with citrus, herbs, bubbles, or flavoured syrups.
What is the easiest mocktail to make?
Anything with two ingredients, like orange juice and soda or pomegranate juice and sparkling water.
What is the most popular mocktail?
Virgin mojitos, citrus spritzers, and ginger-based drinks.
How do you make mocktails taste better?
Balance is everything:
- a little acid (lemon or lime)
- a little sweetness (simple syrup)
- a little sparkle
- fresh herbs
Can you order mocktails at most restaurants?
Yes, even if they aren’’’t listed. If there is a full bar and they offer a robust cocktail menu, they should be able to make any mocktail. Ask for a citrus-based drink with mint, berries, or ginger.
How do I freestyle a mocktail without a recipe?
If you don’t want to follow a full recipe, having a simple ratio in mind makes it easy to mix drinks, get creative, while keeping the taste and flavours balanced every time.
For an 8-ounce glass, start with:
- 3–4 oz juice (fruit juice, muddled berries, or a base juice like orange or cranberry)
- 1 teaspoon simple syrup (flavoured or plain)
- Fresh herbs or citrus (lightly muddled or used as a garnish)
- Ice
- Sparkling water or soda to top
Adjust to taste if necessary. If it feels too sharp, add a touch more syrup. If it’s too sweet, add citrus or more soda. Once you know this basic balance ratio, you can freestyle, mix and match flavours easily using whatever you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
Mocktails are an easy way to elevate life’s everyday moments, whether it’s an easy evening at home or a night out with friends. With a few basic ingredients and a little inspiration, it’s easy to put together something refreshing that you’ll genuinely enjoy. Cheers!
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